Billy, Trini, Zack and Jason are playing sand volleyball. Kimberly shows up with “drinks” for everyone (that look suspiciously like water).

Meanwhile, on the moon, Baboo is brewing up a special Punk potion in his stereotypical evil genius lab.

ACT TWO

The Rangers are, naturally, attacked by Putty Patrolers. Whilst they battle, Baboo puts his Punk Potion into the drinks.

After the brief battle, Kimberly and Billy drink from the now contaminated glasses, and experience a change. Their former sunny dispositions have been replaced by snotty “punk” attitude.

Great face there, Billy.

Meanwhile, on the moon, Rita is pleased. She asks Finster to make her a monster. He decides on a Terror Toad. He likes to eat things and is mean. So basically, a good pre-requisite.

He also was the stunt double for Kermit during filming of “A Muppet Christmas Carol.”

The next day at school, we see Bulk and Skull struggling with their lockers. Skull ponders on Yorick…

Why is he called Yorick?

…while Bulk gets buried in…ick.

I can’t judge too hard…my locker in 6th grade was pretty bad.

Kimberly and Billy show up with entirely new wardrobes. Kimberly flirts with Skull and demands he go on a date with her to “tear up the town.” Skull agrees quickly.

Apparently punk in 1993 is the same as punk in 1987.

On the viewing globe, Alpha 5 notices the problem. Zordon instructs him to teleport the Rangers to the Command Center and to place Kimberly and Billy into a transparent force field. Understandably, this angers them.

That is a horrible outfit, Kim.

Zordon explains what has happened to Kimberly and Billy, and tells them that only sap from the Singing Squash can heal them. However, before they can set out to find this Squash, the Terror Toad appears on Earth.

ACT THREE

Jason, Trini and Zack morph into action to fight the evil Terror Toad. And discover that he will actually eat them. Poor Trini is the first to go.

Zordon sends Alpha 5 to find the Singing Squash, which he succeeds in doing.

In the land of trash bag flooring…

Back in battle, Zack and Jason aren’t doing so well and before too long, Terror Toad has eaten Zach as well.

We cut to the Command Center where Alpha 5 has prepared the sap of the Singing Squash to rescue Billy and Kimberly. A few snide remarks and one big drink later, and our Rangers are back to their usual selves. Zordon catches them up on what is happening and they head into battle.

After destroying his horn, the Terror Toad uses his tongue to capture Jason. However, he reveals his weak spot below his neck, and they quickly make plans. However, before Billy can take him out, he too is eaten.

So many comments….

Kimberly uses her power bow to free the others and then with one final arrow, takes out the Terror Toad, effectively ending his reign.

Meanwhile, on the moon, Rita complains of a headache.

Back at the Juice Bar, Skull comes to pick up Kimberly for their date. Angry that she refuses to go out with him, they challenge the guys in volleyball, and wind up tangled in the net. All is once again right in the world, and the Rangers have saved the day.

I can sympathize with this.

COMMENTARY

This has been my favorite episode for years. It started when I got the storybook adaptation of the episode. That was actually my first exposure to a couple of the episodes, but this one in particular. I liked it because it was Kimberly-heavy, and the story was pretty fun over all. I also liked the fact there was no use of the Zords and that the minor character of Baboo got played up.

The nice thing about this episode is it’s not quite the standard episode. A lot of the minor characters have stuff to do, and it isn’t focused on Jason being the clear leader. It gave Kimberly a chance to really shine, and it gave Alpha a chance to be a hero of sorts.

Interestingly, the American episode and the Japanese episode are basically the same plot. The storyline and footage sync up with each other, which is one of the few times this ever happens.

On a side note, I always wanted a Terror Toad action figure. I thought he’d be highly marketable with accessories.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I give the episode an A+. It still holds up as my favorite, and despite some really bad acting when they’re punks, I really don’t find much fault with the episode.